UPSC CARE Mains Practice October 2nd 2026

Mains Practice Questions for the Day

Q. Mahatma Gandhi transformed India’s freedom struggle into a broad-based mass movement by combining political resistance with social and ethical reform. Discuss his contribution to the national movement and examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhian philosophy.

Introduction:

Mahatma Gandhi introduced a new form of political action based on Satyagraha, Ahimsa and mass participation. By connecting political freedom with the everyday problems of peasants, workers, women and disadvantaged groups, he transformed the national movement from a limited political campaign into a nationwide struggle.

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Contribution to the National Movement

Addressing local grievances: Through the Champaran Satyagraha (1917), Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918) and Kheda Satyagraha (1918), Gandhi connected the freedom struggle with the economic concerns of peasants and workers.
Mass mobilisation: The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22) brought students, teachers, lawyers, traders, peasants and workers into the national movement.
Non-violent civil resistance: The Dandi March and Civil Disobedience Movement (1930) converted the salt tax into a symbol of colonial exploitation. It also encouraged the active participation of women.
Demand for self-government: At the Second Round Table Conference (1931), Gandhi asserted India’s right to determine its constitutional future.
Final challenge to colonial rule: Through the Quit India Movement (1942) and the call of “Do or Die,” Gandhi demanded the immediate end of British rule.
Constructive programme: He linked political freedom with Swadeshi, khadi, communal harmony, rural development and the removal of untouchability.

Contemporary Relevance

Ahimsa and Satyagraha provide peaceful methods for conflict resolution and democratic protest.
Swaraj connects political freedom with self-discipline and responsible citizenship.
Sarvodaya supports inclusive development and the welfare of the weakest sections.
Trusteeship promotes the socially responsible use of wealth.
Swadeshi strengthens local production, village industries and economic self-reliance.
Gandhian ideas of moderation and responsible consumption support sustainable development.
His emphasis on cleanliness and community participation is reflected in the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Conclusion:

Gandhi’s contribution extended beyond securing political independence. He gave India an ethical framework based on truth, non-violence, social justice and public participation. In an age marked by conflict, inequality and environmental stress, Gandhian philosophy remains relevant for building an inclusive, peaceful and sustainable society.

Q. The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP) is an important step towards strengthening India’s maritime sovereignty and financial resilience. Discuss its structure, necessity and strategic significance for India.

Introduction:

India depends heavily on maritime routes, which carry around 95% of its trade by value and 70% by volume. However, Indian shipowners have traditionally depended on foreign insurers for marine-risk coverage. To address this strategic gap, the government launched the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP) on 12 May 2026 as India’s first domestic maritime insurance pool.

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Why Does India Need BMIP?

Foreign dependence: India’s reliance on overseas Protection and Indemnity clubs results in an annual outflow of nearly USD 45–60 million in P&I premiums.
Geopolitical vulnerability: Conflicts in the Red Sea and tensions near the Strait of Hormuz can increase premiums or lead to withdrawal of insurance coverage.
Energy security: A substantial share of India’s crude oil imports moves through maritime routes.
Growing shipping sector: The Indian-flagged fleet reached 1,609 ships and 14.33 million gross tonnage by mid-2026.
Capability gap: India needs domestic expertise in marine underwriting, reinsurance and claims management.

Structure and Coverage of BMIP

Insurance capacity: ₹13,906.50 crore or USD 1.5 billion.
Sovereign backing: ₹12,980 crore or USD 1.4 billion.
Coverage: Hull and Machinery, Cargo, Protection and Indemnity, and War Risks.
Eligibility: Indian-flagged vessels, ships owned or controlled by Indian entities, and cargo vessels originating from or destined for India.
Administration: GIC Re serves as the Pool Administrator, supported by a Governing Body and an Underwriting Committee.
Claims mechanism: Claims up to USD 100 million are met through reserves and reinsurance recoveries; larger claims may activate the sovereign guarantee after Pool reserves are exhausted.
Tenure: Ten years, extendable up to fifteen years.

Strategic Significance

Promotes maritime financial independence and reduces foreign-exchange outflow.
Ensures uninterrupted and affordable insurance during global disruptions.
Protects industrial supply chains, energy imports, ships, cargo and maritime workers.
Develops domestic capacity in underwriting and claims settlement.
War-risk premiums have declined by nearly 35–40% from their peak during the West Asia conflict.
By 7 September 2026, BMIP had issued 3,000 Cargo War, 92 Hull War-risk and three P&I policies.

Way Forward

India should strengthen specialised human resources, claims-handling systems, legal frameworks and global reinsurance partnerships. Competitive pricing and sound underwriting are necessary to limit excessive reliance on sovereign guarantees.

Conclusion:

BMIP converts marine insurance from an external dependency into an instrument of strategic resilience. With credible governance and commercial sustainability, it can support India’s expanding shipping economy and establish the country as a regional maritime-insurance hub in the Indian Ocean Region.